Tomb of the Maccabees

by Rabbi Mendel Weinbach zt'l

Although there is no firm evidence that the heroes of the Chanukah miracle Jews are now celebrating are buried in Modi'in, the site east of Lod and Ben Shemen near the new city of Modi'in is visited by many Jews who consider it to be the resting place of the Maccabees.

Eshtori ha-Parchi identified Tzova, west of Jerusalem, as the Maccabean Modi'in, while other travelers named different sites. During the last century researchers have leaned towards the above-mentioned site near the Arab village of Mideah where visitors go to identify with the Chanukah heroes.

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